'... it is a textbook but it's how a textbook should be. To begin with it is actually a joy to look at: a happy marriage of Cambridge University Press's publishing know-how and the Open University's experience in producing lively, informative and well-structured texts for students that are also accessible to the general reader ... if only the same team could address themselves to the remaining dozen or so periods of geological time ...' Douglas Palmer, New Scientist 'In short, this is a very well-written book, filled with up-to-date material and should be a challenging read for the best undergraduate students in geology. I would recommend this book as a supplementary text for several courses at my university and would encourage graduate students to add a copy to their library. Anyone doing research on the Cretaceous Period should have a copy.' Professor Wayne Ahr, Texas A&M University 'This book succinctly presents the new ideas of Earth System Science - that earth processes are interlinked and part of a much bigger picture - the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and geosphere are all dependent on each other and part of a global system. In many parts of the book, general principles of techniques and concepts are presented before application to the Cretaceous - so there is much to be gained by all earth science students from reading this text. The book is beautifully illustrated with colour figures and photographs, the latter coming from all over the world. The text is very readable and there are useful questions scattered throughout to enable students to ponder the significance of topics. I highly recommend this book to all Earth Scientists - students and professionals alike. The Open University team are to be congratulated on producing a fine textbook.' Professor Maurice Tucker, University of Durham '... offers a well-rounded and extremely informative view of the Cretaceous world and I recommend it highly for teachers and students alike.' Geological Magazine 'The wealth of observations on this remarkable period in Earth history contained in the book should stimulate the interest of graduate and advanced undergraduate students at whom it is aimed ... a good read ...'. Teaching Earth Sciences 'It is easy to read, though it is definitely not a textbook ... Would I recommend buying this book? Yes, it is a readable comprehensive book about the Cretaceous.' The Open University Geological Society Journal

?? it is a textbook but it?s how a textbook should be. To begin with it is actually a joy to look at: a happy marriage of Cambridge University Press's publishing know-how and the Open University?s experience in producing lively, informative and well-structured texts for students that are also accessible to the general reader ? if only the same team could address themselves to the remaining dozen or so periods of geological time ?? Douglas Palmer, New Scientist

?In short, this is a very well-written book, filled with up-to-date material and should be a challenging read for the best undergraduate students in geology. I would recommend this book as a supplementary text for several courses at my university and would encourage graduate students to add a copy to their library. Anyone doing research on the Cretaceous Period should have a copy.? Professor Wayne Ahr, Texas A&M University

?This book succinctly presents the new ideas of Earth System Science - that earth processes are interlinked and part of a much bigger picture - the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and geosphere are all dependent on each other and part of a global system. In many parts of the book, general principles of techniques and concepts are presented before application to the Cretaceous - so there is much to be gained by all earth science students from reading this text. The book is beautifully illustrated with colour figures and photographs, the latter coming from all over the world. The text is very readable and there are useful questions scattered throughout to enable students to ponder the significance of topics. I highly recommend this book to all Earth Scientists - students and professionals alike. The Open University team are to be congratulated on producing a fine textbook.? Professor Maurice Tucker, University of Durham

?? offers a well-rounded and extremely informative view of the Cretaceous world and I recommend it highly for teachers and students alike.? Geological Magazine

?The wealth of observations on this remarkable period in Earth history contained in the book should stimulate the interest of graduate and advanced undergraduate students at whom it is aimed ? a good read ??. Teaching Earth Sciences

?It is easy to read, though it is definitely not a textbook ? Would I recommend buying this book? Yes, it is a readable comprehensive book about the Cretaceous.? The Open University Geological Society Journal

The rich geological record of the Cretaceous Period reveals a world that experienced extreme climatic warmth and significantly higher global sea levels than today. It therefore provides a natural case study of the Earth in ?greenhouse? climatic mode, which this interdisciplinary textbook analyses from the perspective of Earth System Science. After surveying the evidence for conditions on the Cretaceous Earth, this book explores the interactions between the physical, chemical and biological processes, within the Earth and at its surface. These processes control the prevailing environmental conditions on Earth and the book highlights the major differences between the Cretaceous and the present world. Finally, the mass extinction that terminated the period, and its possible causes, are investigated. Designed for undergraduate and graduate courses, this textbook features chapter summaries, focus boxes, and questions and answers throughout the text. The book is supported by a website hosting sample pages, selected illustrations, and worked exercises.

This richly illustrated textbook on the Cretaceous world has been designed for use as a case study in undergraduate and graduate courses on Earth System Science. Features include focus boxes, bulleted questions and answers, and chapter summaries. There is also a supporting website hosting sample pages, illustrations and worked exercises.

The rich geological record of the Cretaceous Period reveals a world that experienced extreme climatic warmth and significantly higher global sea levels than today. It therefore provides a natural case study of the Earth in 'greenhouse' climatic mode, which this interdisciplinary textbook analyses from the perspective of Earth System Science. After surveying the evidence for conditions on the Cretaceous Earth, this book explores the interactions between the physical, chemical and biological processes, within the Earth and at its surface. These processes control the prevailing environmental conditions on Earth and the book highlights the major differences between the Cretaceous and the present world. Finally, the mass extinction that terminated the period, and its possible causes, are investigated. Designed for undergraduate and graduate courses, this textbook features chapter summaries, focus boxes, and questions and answers throughout the text. The book is supported by a website hosting sample pages, selected illustrations, and worked exercises.

2006-02-18 Authoritative, well written, and very interesting

Dr Skelton's experience as an OU lecturer comes over strongly - clarity is the result. Authoritative and intersting as well. This imparts a vivid understanding of the exotic conditions at that time by interpretation of the record in the rocks using specific examples and locations. An excellent primer for all scientists working in this area and provides an excellent textbook for students. Highly recommended